Hyderabad, Sep 19 (UNI) In order to strengthen their attack in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL), Hyderabad FC have signed experienced Spanish defender Odei Onaindia.
With this, Hyderabad FC completed its fifth new foreign signing for the season, the Club announced here on Saturday.
The 30-year-old defender joins from Spanish Segunda Division side CD Mirandes and has penned a one-year deal until the end of the 2020-21 season.
“I am very happy to sign for Hyderabad Football Club and I’m looking forward to starting training under Hyderabad FC Head Coach Manolo Marquez and competing alongside my new teammates. It is going to be an exciting season for sure”, the Spanish Defender said.
“I have heard a lot of positive things about the Indian Super League from other players that I have played against them. I know it is a league that is in constant growth and I cannot wait to be a part of it,” said the Lekeitio-born defender after completing formalities.
Speaking about the fans, Odei said “I have heard a lot about our passionate supporters. While we play behind closed doors, I want to assure our supporters that they can expect a player with ambition and someone who will try to help the team as much as possible to achieve the goals.
“ I will do my best to adapt to the team and the conditions in the ISL, so that we can have a strong season,” he added.
Odei joins Hyderabad after two of the best seasons in his career where he helped his side Mirandes first to a promotion to Segunda Division in the 2018-19 season, and then to a strong finish in a higher division in the 2019-20 season.
In fact, the biggest highlight of their season was the run to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Cup competition.
On their way to the last four, Mirandes overcame La Liga sides Celta Vigo, Europa League champions Sevilla, and Villarreal. Odei was also on the scoresheet against Villarreal in a dramatic 4-2 win.
Marquez believes Odei will bring in character and personality into the squad given his experience in Spain.
“Odei , a tough central defender, has played consistently in all the teams that he was a part of”, he said.
A good header of the ball, very strong and fast, and very good in marking. He always gives his best and plays at a good level, Manolo said.
In the last season, Odei was always present in the Mirandes line-up in their thrilling run to the Spanish Cup semi final, so we expect him to bring in that experience, he added.
Odei spent the following eight seasons with Barakaldo CF, Burgos CF, Bilbao Athletic and Melilla before joining Mirandes in 2018.
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